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It's never too early to start looking ahead to the NFL Draft. As we start to wind down the 2009 Regular season, let's look at what positions the San Diego Chargers need to address in the upcoming 2010 NFL Draft.

DRAFT NEEDS

BOLTHYPE has proudly become one of the most authoritative sources for the San Diego Chargers draft needs; According to BOLTHYPE.com, the San Diego Chargers' top draft needs in 2010 are:

1. RUNNING BACK

As much as it pains me to admit it, the future looks bleak for Ladainian Tomlinson's days as a San Diego Charger. LT will finish the 2009 season with career lows across the board. It's clear his best days are behind him, and it looks like the Chargers will part ways with the future Hall of Famer at the end of the 2009 season. Couple that with Darren Sproles' one-year, franchise-player contract and it is crystal clear that the Chargers will be looking to draft their Running Back of the future. Assuming the Chargers extend Head Coach Norv Turner, they're approach towards drafting a running back will be to identify a guy who will fit Turner's scheme; Excellent in pass protection, catches the ball well out of the backfield, and can run hard between the tackles. They'll be looking for a well-rounded, tough player with speed, and will likely spend a high draft pick on Tomlinson's replacement.

2. DEFENSIVE LINE

Losing Nose Tackle Jamal Williams to a triceps injury early in the 2009 season brought into focus just how crucial the "zero" position is to a 3-4 defense. Men of Williams' considerable size and talent are precious commodities, yet they are absolutely essential to a 3-man front. Dominating at the line of scrimmage has a ripple effect that boosts the play of the entire defense. But with twelve punishing season already under his belt, Jamal Williams does not have many more NFL years left on his body. Currently there is no public timetable for Williams' return; in fact, there is a strong possibility that Williams may decide to retire after this season. With that in mind, and without a true replacement for Jamal on the roster, it is imperative the Chargers address this position of need. Additionally, the Chargers could should also consider adding a player who fits the 5-technique with the strength to hold the line of scrimmage as well as the ability to get after the quarterback.

The Chargers have not spent any significant draft picks on Defensive Linemen aside from Luis Castillo in 2005 and Vaughn Martin in 2008, choosing instead to develop late-round and undrafted free agents. However, it has come time to secure their nose tackle of the future and the 2010 NFL Draft is the place to start.

3. WIDE RECEIVER

Probably not a position many people would think of as a need for the San Diego Chargers, Wide Receiver is nevertheless going to be a position in focus come the offseason. Vincent Jackson has clearly emerged as one of the NFL's top receivers, but he is playing the last year of his contract and has some red flags concerning some legal issues he ran into. Malcom Floyd is a nice player himself, but he too is playing on the last year of his deal. Legedu Naanee is developing into a solid contributor, but he must continue to develop and is not ready for sliding into the WR2 spot. And former first round pick Craig “Buster” Davis has again been unable to contribute to the Chargers, and will likely be cut in the offseason.

With Norv Turner installing his offense in San Diego, and allowing it to flow through Philip Rivers, the Chargers will need to provide their signal caller with targets that can get down the field. With Darren Sproles also potentially moving on, the Chargers could look to draft a player with some return ability.

4. OFFENSIVE LINE

Philip Rivers has been the San Diego Chargers' biggest investment - possibly ever - and they would be wise to provide him with adequate protection, both along the starting offensive line as well as depth. As we mentioned in our article "Centering In On The O-Line Struggles" the Chargers have had a difficult time keeping Nick Hardwick healthy. Hardwick has missed time almost every season, totaling over 20 games where he was unavailable due to one injury or another. The fact of the matter is, when Hardwick is not in the game there is a huge drop-off and at one of the most crucial positions on the line, and it's unsettling that the Chargers haven't done more to prepare for life without Hardwick.

The right side of the offensive line has also been suspect at times, and while the Chargers have found their right guard of the future, they still haven't an elite right tackle that can dominate on a consistent basis. Jeromy Clary has done an admirable job at right tackle for the past few years, but his ultimate upside is probably not very much higher than where he is now. Do the Chargers feel he is an adequate player and that the position doesn't need an upgrade, or will they look to bring in a guy who can develop into a starter at both Right Tackle and Left Tackle? In my opinion, the best move going forward would be to upgrade the position and bring in a guy who will push both Marcus McNeill and Clary, and provide much needed depth at the position.

PLAYER EVALUATIONS

A 10 indicates an elite player with few peers, 9's indicate Pro Bowl caliber players, 8's are productive starters, 7's are average starters, 6's are adequate backups, and 5's represent a developmental player. The plus(+) symbol indicates a player has upside:

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comments:

i would have rated CRO a 7and how does Hester have an upside other than special teams?

with the running back thing, if we don't win a superbowl this year, i don't see how AJ and Norv stay in SD. and with the defense we might be totally revamping because Rivera might be the target of many teams seeking a new HC.

Clary signed a 1 year deal last year, so him returning after injury is, in my opinion, a non-issue. We need to draft a OT first, or a DT depending on the status of Williams and Ryon Bingham. We can find a great RB that might slip in the draft to the 2nd round.

i'll end with, why would the chargers sign LT to a restructured 3 year if they intend to cut him after this year? the way AJ is about contracts i expect LT to stay and mentor a new RB and remain our Goal Line back if we don't let him go.

i would have rated CRO a 7and how does Hester have an upside other than special teams?

with the running back thing, if we don't win a superbowl this year, i don't see how AJ and Norv stay in SD. and with the defense we might be totally revamping because Rivera might be the target of many teams seeking a new HC.

Clary signed a 1 year deal last year, so him returning after injury is, in my opinion, a non-issue. We need to draft a OT first, or a DT depending on the status of Williams and Ryon Bingham. We can find a great RB that might slip in the draft to the 2nd round.

i'll end with, why would the chargers sign LT to a restructured 3 year if they intend to cut him after this year? the way AJ is about contracts i expect LT to stay and mentor a new RB and remain our Goal Line back if we don't let him go.

Get the running back from Alabama...trade future picks for him if you have to and there are no running backs coming out after this season so he is the best for now. LT looks like he has lost two steps so now is the time to get a new running back. C.J. Spiller from Clemson is a great all around running back but can't go up the middle so we need Ingram. Also, we need to improve the RT position which has been week for years now. Plus, getting at least one defensive lineman that can give some penetration will send the Chargers to the Super Bowl. This team does not have to many weaknesses, the way the defense has been playing I think we're headed for the Super Bowl. We just need a new running back and tighten up the right side of the offensive line and defensive line.

I think the priorities break down like this, round-by-round:1: RT or NT, or (any defensive position or RB) if best player available2: RT, or (NT or WR) if RT taken in first3: NT, WR, RB, DE or any LB4: RB, or any defensive player if RB taken in first6: Best player available7: Best player available

For RB, since we have two serviceable FBs and maybe still have LT near the goal-line, it might be best to get a smaller, shiftier halfback, not undersized like DS, but 210 lbs rather than 240.

I believe, LT has lost a step because of our fullback set. you put a true fullback like LO Neal in front of LT he will easily crack 1000 yds. however we do need to look at the future in drafting a young RB. We also need to adress the DT before we adress the right side of the o line, it was clear to me that when big Jamaal went down we were exposed in the middle of that defense and the chargers began to panic and scramble to find a replacement and the defense suffered. I think we are good at safety now we are good at DB all LB's positions are straight.

If we lose LT this year the San Diego Chargers need to draft Toby Gerhart out of Stanford with all expense to the side. (year 11 draft pics) This team fits his style of play right down to the point and plus his home town is right next door...

Chris, I think Hester has upside as a tailback. He came into a bad situation, being asked to play a position he really isn't suited for. Jacob Hester has certainly improved as a fullback, but I think he would be more productive as a true tailback.

I like the idea of getting a great RB 4th round (like Michael Turner)--yes easier said than done but many late round RB's have been very productive. If LT keeps doing what he is doing I believe he will be back for another year and the Mentor thing makes a lot of sense. We are primarily a passing team so dont see us drafting RB higher than round 2.

We will only take a NT if a stud is available when we pick which I doubt will be there when we pick will be. Ideally we can get a solid FA to go with our current rotation.

I see us taking a play making defensive player in the 1st round. Perhaps a pass rusher, safety, or CB. If a stud O-line player is there that is a strong possibility too.

I actually like Hester, just not what we gave up to get him. Same with Weddle, but Weddle has been much more productive. I get why AJ gave up a lot for each of these players. At the time everyone was sold on our "talent" so there just wasnt room for many players to make the team anyway. I think AJ will look to get more value out of the draft going forward and continue to get good football guys. He did a great job of that in the last draft.

I think that unless a high (and productive) draft choice isn't used for an Offensive linemen with good wheels, it won't matter if both L.T. and Jim Brown discover the Fountain of Youth and decide to play here.It's only hindsight now, but the Chargers should have taken Mike Oher (he was available) in the 1st round instead of Larry English, who has been only average.Merriman deserves to be let go next year (yes, I said it) unless he finds that same Fountain as L.T. and Jim Brown real soon, and Sproles is still an intriguing player long-term.ANY running back brought in next year will be a Big Disappointment unless the o-line and fullback positions are fixed. Many of us won't truly appreciate the great L.T. until after he's gone. Too bad.JLM

The Chargers should draft all offensive and defensive linemen with every pick in the draft. AJ should also be a bigger player in free agency. Maybe pickup a running back in free agency. AJ has ignored the lines to often in the draft and this year shows it. The Chargers are having big problems opening up running lanes and the defensive line is having trouble putting pressure on QB's.

With Chargers picking late in the 1st round (hopefully VERY late in the first round), you can be sure that the Chargers will be taking the "best player available." Hopefully that will be a player who can fill a hole on the offensive or defensive line. Since we have identified the Chargers primary needs, I expect AJ to select...a cornerback.

Drafting a position, rather than the right player, is about as smart as covering dirt in zone coverage. I see Tolbert as having a lot more upside potential than Hester. Likewise, I think our dear author's reasoning for LT not coming back next year is lacking.

Pick #1) Do the Bolts need to draft a DT to replace Williams? Definitely! But not just ANY DT...drafting the highest rated Tackle available when it comes Chargers' turn to choose in the Draft would be a major mistake. Even if they were available that late Suh (Nebraska), Odrik (Penn St.), and even Dan Williams (Tenn.) are all going to be severely overworked and underutilized in a 3-4. There is only ONE DT coming out in this year's draft worth the Chargers to look at to fill that big hole up front: Terrence Cody (Alabama). All of the other available D-Tackles need to play in a 4-3 scheme to be effective. I say TO HELL with all of the projected/mock draft "experts"...it's Cody or bust for the first round. He's the only one entering this year's draft capable of drawing blocks from two O-Linemen each and every play without being pushed back to El Cajon. If we can't get him, then the Chargers need to look to the FA pool to fill that position.

Pick #2) Next, I will agree with the assessment that we need O-Line help. I'd look to Selvish Capers (W. Virginia) or Kyle Calloway (Iowa) as the best candidates to strengthen the line up front opposite McNeill.

Pick #3) The Chargers should cut Bennett in the off-season. In his place, they need a big physical back to study under Tomlinson and slowly take over the carrying duties for the next few seasons before fully being the feature back. I like Toby Gerhart (Stanford) as the obvious pick here, and Ben Tate (Auburn) as a very solid potential bruiser, to make up for the lack of a real big FB to pave the way. However, I think San Diego is also in the enviable position to take a gamble on Charles Scott (LSU), who lost a great deal of standing in the draft thanks to a broken collarbone. If it heals well, he will probably not have to look back from that injury in the future. He could wind up being a huge steal, if Gerhart is already taken by the time the Chargers have a shot at him.

Pick #4) If J.D. Walton (Baylor) happens to be available in one of the middle rounds, SD would do well to snatch him up! I don't know about the rest of you all, but I'm pretty sick of sweating Hardwick's health. Failing that, I think that Chris Hall (Texas) and John Estes (Hawaii) are the only other Centers in the upcoming draft worth looking at. Estes, especially, has a reputation for durability.

Pick #5) I think we've seen about all Jacob Hester has to offer. He's too slow to be a halfback, too small to be a complete fullback. It might be a good time to cut our losses with Hester as a FB (though I think he still has value on special teams), allowing Tolbert to take over the bulk of duties. I'd look at Rashawn Jackson (Virginia), who is a very strong all-around fullback, to give an immediate boost to the Bolts in the backfield.

Of course, depending on how high of an "undisclosed" pick we gave up in order to get Travis Johnson from Houston this season, the order could be all screwed up...at which point we'd wind up with NONE of these guys. But, in my opinion, these are the available players in this year's draft class who stand the best chance to help the Bolts improve in 2010. Again, they are:

yeah i love the idea of getting Cody but we would have to seriously trade up. And to do that we are talking 1st round 2011 too. We may have to trade a player or two to build picks going forward. Not sure if we can sign Merriman, Jackson, Floyd, McNeill, Sproles, Dobbins, Osgood -- if that is the case I would much rather us get some high picks in return rather than 3rd/4th round compensatory picks we got for Brees and Turner.

Firstly, it seems to me that AJ is always drafting these diamond in the rough players from Somewhere University, lets go after big time players from big time teams, I know that vincent jackson(Northern Colorado) is a stud, but Antoine Cason(Arizona)???? Larry English(Northern Iowa) alright and many others, go check out the roster. Then we get players from big time schools, they are backups in college. Keith Ellison(USC) Brandon Siler(Florida) plus a few others. Then lastly on my AJ drafting rant, look how many players we have that are undrafted Stephen Cooper (pretty good), Stephen Gregory (Safety with a Cowboy Collar, need I say more), got extremely lucky with Antonio Gates (best in the biz).. I watch college football, espn, look at rivals, and AJ still surprises me everytime, it is disheartening!!!!

I think Terrance Cody should be the first round pick for the Chargers. He is huge and will be the middle presence they need to help stop the run game. After that lefts get the O-line set for a few years. Draft someone to play right tackle. LT still has gas left in the tank and I think we should wait on drafting another running back for a couple years. THen in the third round I would look for a middle line backer. Stephen Cooper is good but we need a runner stopper. Also, I tired of seeing tight ends live Evan Moore own our strong and free safeties, something else to think about!!!!!!!! Also, a third round option....

And if you havent noticed a charger game is usually 30 minutes shorter than all other football games, cuz teams are running the ball all the way down the field and taking away valuable time from the offense. To great surprise they have played very good red zone defense, but that doesnt work against championship teams like colts and patriots..

I'll be going back and watching Terrance Cody more closely; he is a very interesting prospect but his weight is an issue and I worry about his ability to stay on the field during long drives. We need a nose tackle that can play at least the same amount of snaps that Jamal Williams averages per game. Any less and it wouldn't be worth spending a high draft pick, especially if he is rarely on the field.

yeah Rob -- and for that reason I highly doubt that AJ will give a lot to trade up for him. Williams was a second round draft choice in the supplemental draft -- that is a pretty high pick for the supplemental and it was also pre AJ (unless he had his eye on him as Pro Personnel Director before he left to Buffalo.) Anyway AJ seems to like the "diamond in the rough" philosophy for big men. And I think that AJ is happy to a degree with the "rotation" we currently have a D-line.

What I loved about the most recent draft was that AJ went after football players. He also picked lunch pail guys if you will.

I also wonder if some of the recent cuts have had an effect on the locker room. The back ups have played really well. Even after all the early injuries, we had new major injuries to all three levels of the defense on Sunday as Merriman, Castillo, and Weddle were out. Dont forget that with Merriman out we were without 3 OLB's (Applewhite and Tucker on IR.) We also had two and three backups at Oline vs. the Browns on Sunday. Glad we werent playing Cinci or even dallas last week. Hopefully these guys can get back on the field soon.Good teams find a way to win despite adversity. The bolts have definitely done well amidst adversity.

What about trying to trade both Jamaal Williams and Shawn Merriman for someone like SUH from Nebraska.. As much as I dont want either to go, I think we need to get an absolute beast in the middle of the D-Line. He is only 300 pounds but I think he is talented enough athletically to play a NT in the 3-4 and he could put on some weight.. And is Merriman on a contract year?

If I understand Merriman's situation correctly, he will be a restricted free agent so long as the CBA is not extended. That way we can franchise someone else. If we dont go into an uncapped year, Merriman will hit free agency and it is likely that the Bolts will be outbid. I think Merriman might take a little less to stay in San Diego but not a lot less.

TOP TEN REASONS the Chargers will draft the "best D athlete" available.1. Stick a fork in Merriman, he's done. Sad but true, and he's only 25.2. Jamal Williams is also done, but Lord he was a GREAT player. Now, even him and Merriman bundled together would have zero trade value.3. Weddle (bless his heart) just isn't big, strong, or fast enough to ever dominate at safety in the NFL. Not picking Troy is why this exciting group of current Chargers may never go to a Super Bowl.4. Without steroids, Cooper can't stop up the middle, ditto Merriman.5. Cromartie is dumber than a bag of hammers, and worse; he tackles like a bleeder and he picked the wrong role model early on. What a waste.6. Castillo, remind us again why you make so much money; please.7. Larry English needs to win, place, or show; NOW, and for any playoffs.8. Ditto rookie safety Kevin Ellison.9. The rotating subs on the D-line can't be a permanent solution.10. Drafting high for a runner without a major upgrade to the right side of the O-line just won't matter; but they should keep Sproles for sure.JLM

They NEED to go for a replacement for Jamal so i say go NT in the first round Their next need is for a Power back to compliment LT and Sproles, Hester and Tolberg kind of work for this but they are FB not RBI think Toby Gerhart might work

This teams going all the way this year but next year all they need to repeat is Ryan Mathews from Fresno StateBecause hes a junior from a smaller school they could proboly get him in the mid 3rd Round if they traded up

I don't see how WR is a position we need to worry about. Signing Jackson is a given...AJ will fork over the cash for him. I think Floyd will stay, too, since he really can't expect to be the #1 receiver anywhere else. Nanee ought to only get better. They can cut Davis...it'd be about time they did. But, Rob, I think you forgot a young man named Demetrius Byrd. If he's all healed up, then they can afford to cut Davis.

If they wanted to use their 1st round pick for a RB, I hope they take a close look at Anthony Dixon.

I do agree that Terrance Cody could make a fine NG, but he really needs to show them a willingness and propensity for improving his conditioning. I disagree that he's the only one who could help. What about Dan Williams? Also, if Brian Price comes out this year, I think he might be a perfect fit. And don't forget that a lot of those smaller Tackles would make great DE's for the Chargers. I've been a bit underwhelmed by our overall line play this season.

I think a guy like Ciron Black could go a long way to turning our O-line around. I do have to agree that Hardwick's health is a major concern, and that Center from Hawaii is something else.

As a Charger fan I don't think LT is that bad. We have had O-Line issues and getting rid of McNeil did not help at all. I would like to see them go RB in the First Round. Joe McKnight may be the best pick. Gerhart is good and I remember when he used to kick my alma mater's butt 3 out of the 4 years I was there, but I don't see him as a reliable guy at RB maybe at Fullback. If they do take a RB in the First I hope that LT sticks around for at least a year to train him and then he can leave and wait for his yellow jacket. I don't think they will resign Merriman for the fact that he hasn't been healthy or a playmaker since his juicing days. they will resign Jackson, Sproles and Floyd for sure though. I hate saying this but they are in a rebuilding year again. I'm waiting for that Superbowl trophy cause Rivers can get us there.

People forget so easy how good LT is. Maybe Jim Brown was right about LT beign a product of a system. Well, then Rivers is a product of system too. Rivers could not have done what he did this year with bad pass protection. LT couldn't run no because of his ability, but because of the o-line's ability. And, the coaches have forgotten how to run the ball. It's like the get pass-happy and say, "oh yeah, we should run, let LT carry it". I've seen a lot of Charger games. LT got most of his yards and TD's in the fourth quarter. After pounding them all game for small gains. That's how you run the ball. The Chargers have a great oppotunity to have a great ruarterback, tight-end, and running-back (with really good receivers). They just need balance. The Jets knew the didn't have balance. That's why the won.

First off, mega-thanks to whoever made the Bolts Draft Needs 2010 list above; you did an excellent job and it greatly helps to keep the discussion and players in question in line (BTW, Cro is a "3").IMO a bit too much of the back-and-forth comments (here and everywhere) about LaDainian Tomlinson's current value to the Chargers roster mostly miss the main point: the whole NFL is no longer run-based, and no longer rewards or even expects run success in the long-term.As "evidence" for this, please note the very low yards-per-carry averages for the undeniably great Adrian Peterson through much of the year (not to mention his fumbles, something LT rarely does), and for almost ANY back that has a proven passing QB on board. And while its true that Johnson for the Titans put up phenomenal numbers, he had demon speed (world class sprinter), a fast track, and a dangerous runner at QB for much of the year (which guaranteed that the defensive ends go wide to "contain" him - thereby helping to open the middle, and a liklihood that a "spy" linebacker or DB for the QB be used also). Perfect for him.My point: LT may or may not still have "gas in his tank", but it hardly matters with what the Chargers have around him on offense. So then the next consideration is whether or not he will be considered "worth" the $7 million it will take to keep him on the roster for another year? The answer to that is an obvious NO since Bolt management has already committed to Rivers and his $92 million contract. Everything "favorable" about the Bolts now hinges on Rivers and Norv; e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. That is a horribly precarious situation, but it's the corner Charger management (along with the NFL rule changes) has put itself in, regardless of L.T., Sproles, Hester, or Tolbert. The O-line is now about ONE thing, protecting Rivers. That is why you can bet the next big "deal" the Chargers will get done is to secure left tackle McNeil. Otherwise, every single Bolt RB is "on the bubble". If AJ can pick up an eager, young RB from Bumf*ck University & Cooking School on the cheap, he'll do it. Any RB on the current roster should be nervous. The chief requirement is only the ability to pick up a blitz, and not fumble when falling in a heap after a 1-yard gain with four defenders draped all over you. It's all about the system now, and what drives that system. What makes ME especially nervous, is what the Chargers could (or could not) do if/when Rivers gets injured. Precarious, indeed.Go Bolts!!!JLM

i honestly disagree with your assessment of the chargers o-line... they might have been inconsistent as in players not staying healthy but the chargers have the deepest offensive line in the league and that's the truth if you look at the fact they are able to throw the deep ball more than any other team... with that being said, you need an offensive line to do that and the chargers o-line did that even with different players at all positions... i feel the chargers don't need too much but just certain positions are critical as in the nose tackle position... truth be told, san diego don't really play a true 3-4 defense... they play something close to a hybrid where the DE is more like a DT and the OLB is on the OT much like a 4-3 defense... they don't play scheme wise anything close to what they ran in 2006... shawn merriman didn't get too many opportunities to rush the QB due to the scheme they run... san diego i feel needs to be more balance on offense and have the ability to run the football... i don't think LT lost a step at all... i just think he doesn't have many opportunities to run the ball that often... i'm sure if they give him his usual 25+ carries a game he'll break one like he usually does... which is what the jets do... i honestly believe the chargers should get a future back, that is for sure... someone LT can oversee and make better just like he did for michael turner and darren sproles... the needs are DT, CB, OL, Safety, kick returner, all purpose RB, and more depth everywhere....

NT and RB, which every is the better player (and healthier) in the first round, then the other one in the second round. Followed by a RT. Cromartie needs to be sat down by his mama and told to get his head out of ass and play like he's lucky to be on the team, rather than the team's lucky to have him.

ok this is whats up we need a good NT in the first round like maybe terrence Cody from bama and i say we trade crmartie for a late 1st round early second round pick and get jerry hughs and DE/OLB out of TCU if we get rid of shawn merriman. then in our late 2nd round pick we get Toby gerhart the heisman runner up that is a durable power back that can catch, and has an eye for the endzone

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